Cook says his lenses offer an alternative to painful existing treatments for diabetic retinopathy which include injections in the eye.

While the contacts can maintain their glow up to 12 years, he foresees temporary pairs for users.

“Probably about a year and then get a new pair of lenses,” Cook explained.

Cook says because the contact is so close to the retina and moves with the eye, the glow essentially goes unnoticed by the brain, allowing users to sleep despite the light. He hopes to start testing the lenses in a clinical trial soon.